Olympic Heroes

Olympic Cult Heroes

For every Jess and Usain, there's a whole roster of under-the-radar stars who have lit up these London 2012 games. In this exclusive, extensively researched AskMen gallery, we attempt on saluting the true heroes of our Olympics. The athletes or personalities who may not have grabbed the headlines, or indeed, the Olympic hardware, but who will forever remain in our Union Jack-soaked, London 2012-fuelled hearts.

Wenlock & MandevilleThe truth is out there, when it comes to London 2012's much maligned mascots. Wenlock & Mandeville found a place in the hearts of conspiracy theorists, who likened their cycloptic design and W&M initials to the Eye of Providence -- the symbol of the Freemasons. According to some, London 2012 is one giant Dan Brown-sized conspiracy, with code everywhere; including the Masonic pyramid stadium floodlights and a Lisa Simpson Games logo that can be rearranged into the word "Zion”. All, apparently, pointing to the mythical secret society, the Illuminati – who presumably run the Games, as well as the world. We’ll never look at Seb Coe the same way again…